City Council Listening Session - July 20, 2026

The City Council Listening Session for Bloomington, Minnesota, held on July 20, 2026, primarily featured public comments regarding the ongoing restoration project at the Upper Trails and Nine Mile Creek areas. Several residents expressed strong opposition to the city's plan to convert approximately 40 to 58 acres of mature woodland into oak savannah, citing concerns about loss of shaded forest, lack of transparent community engagement, and changes in the scope of restoration work without adequate public input. Speakers urged the council to pause the project before awarding further contracts and to seek additional community feedback. Other comments addressed issues related to property permits and city use of park facilities. The council acknowledged the concerns and indicated that a decision on the project would be considered at the upcoming August 3rd meeting, emphasizing the need to balance diverse community interests.